Makar Sankranti was observed today throughout the state with traditional fervor. But at Bhanrak, it ws celebration of a different kind. Here on Makar Sandranti, Makar Mela is organized at the Maa Kshetrabasi temple in Chunida-Tankuni village, 15km away from district headquarters. Today, thousands of people thronged the festival site on the banks of the river Kapali to watch the Kalisi dance which is an integral part of the festival.

“Villagers of seven villages adjacent to Maa Kshetrabasi temple reach the venue to witness the Kalisi processions. People believe that Kalisi is the person in whom soul of the Goddess is unfused,” said former panchayat samiti member of Kalei GP, Niranjan Mallick.

This tradition dates back to 17th century. Legend has it that Maa Kshetrabasi came in the dream of the local village head centuries ago and asked him to make arrangements for a get-together of seven goddesses- her sisters- in the seven contiguous villages. The tradition is observed on Makar Sandranti ever since. It is believed that the Goddess themselves choose their representatives or Kalisis.

On Makar Sankranti day, seven Kalisis of the seven villages- Kalei, Balajitpada, Balabhadrapur, Chunida, Sudaragadia, Rashikabad and Harnbibi-perform the Kalisi dance during the processions to the venue. People who gather to witness the dances, also worship the Kalisis seeking fulfillment of their desires.

“The 21st century has some add-ons to the festival like various stalls of different commodities that are set up near the festival site,” said Malay Jena, member of the festival committee.